Learning the Green Cycles is good for all of us
The Green Cycles help to keep materials in use (in a cycle) and not in landfills or elsewhere in the environment. Each cycle fulfills the 3 R's of the environment (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), Learning these can help you to create less waste, save you money and help you to have a more beautiful and healthy environment. These cycles are great to teach children as well. They make great family and school projects because they can be implemented at home, school, office or wherever you may find yourself. Each of the Green Cycles has a different specific function, but they all help to improve the planet in their own way.
The Green Cycles:
- Recycling is processing used materials into new products, which results in less waste of potentially useful materials, less consumption of fresh raw materials, less energy usage and less water and air pollution.
- Precycling is thinking ahead before you buy. This can reduce the buildup of waste, items to landfills and even can save you money.
- Freecycling is giving away items for free instead of throwing them away. A great reusing network can be created.
- Upcycling is creating useful items from recycled material. This results in less waste and even can save money through reusing and not having to buy again.
- Downcycling is reusing or recycling of a product for an alternative lesser-quality purpose to keep it out of landfills or elsewhere.
- E-cycling is the recycling of electronics. E-cycling helps to prevent some e-waste such as lead, mercury, cadmium and other toxins to enter the environment.
Actively participating in just one of these Green Cycles can help you to help the environment. Don't be overwhelmed. Look into all six and see which ones would be easier for you to implement and go from there. This would be a great start to a greener and healthier future.
For more information:
Decomposition rates of some common items
Lower your carbon footprint
Go green and save money
If you enjoy Clay's articles you can sign up to receive an email alert whenever he posts his
latest article by clicking
Subscribe to the Louisville Green Living Examiner.
Comments
If you are interested upcycling specifically, check out Looptworks. Cool clothing made from unused factory excess materials, launching online soon. www.looptworks.com
Freecycling is a great but sometimes it can be hard for new Freecycle members to adjust to all the Freecycle rules and the flood of email from the mailings lists. I've built a new free web site for existing groups that tries to makes it easier for people to use Freecycle.
You can check it out at http://trashnothing.com - I'd love to hear feedback if you get a chance to try it.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!